manufacturers:

alfa romeo

audi

bentley

bmw

cadillac

chevrolet

chrysler/jeep

citroen

dacia

fiat

ford

geely

great wall

honda

hyundai

infiniti

isuzu

jaguar

kia

land rover

lexus

lotus

mazda

mercedes benz

saic mg

mini

mitsubishi

nissan

peugeot

porsche

proton

renault

rolls royce

seat

skoda

ssangyong

subaru

suzuki

tata

toyota

vauxhall

vw

volvo

others

other cat.:

repair

safety

general

SummaryA battery electric vehicle built on the popular B platform at the Renault production plant

in Flins, France used for the new Clio. Production has integrated and carried over much

of the Clio tooling and process to reduce start up production costs.

The Zoe is recognisable as an electric vehicle by the blue effect Renault logo, and blue

tint to the headlamps and tail-lamps. The rear lamps are clear with blue concentric rings

that only turn red under braking.

Renault Zoe

factor

volumes

Renault Zoe

Structure :Details are scarce but the structure has been enhanced to enable additional protection of the battery pack integrity with increased use of HSS as we’d expect.

The bonnet has been raised to provide a crumple zone in the event of a pedestrian impact and there is a flexible panel at the base of the windscreen to further improve safety performance.

Technology :The Zoe is driven by a 65Kw (equivalent to 88bhp) synchronous electric motor (manufactured at a different plant at Cleon, France) powered by a 22kW Lithium-ion battery pack, with top speed electronically limited to 84mph. Drive is through a reducer gear, which provides rotational movement to the wheels without the Zoe requiring a clutch or torque converter.

Separate to the vehicle purchase price the battery is leased at a monthly cost of £70 (for a 7,500mile/36month contract)

Zoe introduces a new generation of regenerative braking from Renault. The system recovers energy during deceleration and braking, returning charge to the battery. During braking the system distributes the demand between the brakes and the electric motor to maximise the use of both.

All Zoe models feature 6 SRS airbags as standard (with two side-impact sensors each side), together with ESC and Emergency Brake Assist. The seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners. The Renault Fix4sure technology is used to prevent occupants sliding under their seatbelts by use of a hump in the seat base.

Michelin has produced A-rated low rolling resistance ‘Energy E-V’ tyres in 15” and 16” sizes for the Zoe.

The Zoe features Renault’s Chameleon charger that is compatible with all power supply levels up to 43kW to enable quickest available charging.

The Zoe features ‘Z.E. Voice’, which is to give a warning alarm to pedestrians of the approach of the otherwise silent or quiet electric vehicle. There are three selectable sounds, which can be switched off, though the system will re-activate each time the vehicle is re-started.

Air conditioning refrigerant is R-1234yf. For energy efficiency the system operates as a typical air-conditioning system to cool the interior, but reverses operation by compressing the ambient outside air to heat the vehicle when required. This system is programmable to pre-condition the interior to the required temperature whilst the vehicle is on charge, to reduce demand on the battery when the vehicle is in use.

ACTIONS... Thatcham will commence a research project on this vehicle.

Renault Zoe

Trim levels : Expression, Dynamique Intens, Dynamique ZenExpression: standard features include R-Link, climate control, cruise control, LED daytime run lamps, front electric windows and 15” steel wheels.

Dynamique Zen: features front electric windows (with anti-trap function) and rear electric windows, rear park sensors, 16” alloy wheels (with 17” as a cost option). The headlamps and wipers feature automatic function. The interior features a light ‘Zen’ fabric that is protected by Teflon coating. Unique to the Dynamique Zen is the active scent diffuser with a choice of two scents from a range of 6 available, an ioniser, and toxicity sensing ‘Zen Take Care by Renault’ pack. The Zen features a range of exclusive exterior and interior colours; white pearlescent paint, blue tinted glazing, and chrome finishes.

Dynamique Intens: This is a similar specification to the Zen, but without the parking sensors and with darker ‘Intens’ interior

Options :The 16” Aerotronic alloy wheels are available as a cost option (£400) for the Expression, as are parking sensors, and automatic lights and wipers.

17” Tech Run alloy wheels are available for the Zen and Intens, but these are not available with the low rolling resistance Michelin tyres.

Paint colours :Colour choices are quite limited. Iceberg Blue (Renault i.d paint) is an option at £225Energy Blue, Calico grey, Neptune Grey, Diamond Black, Brazil Brown (metallic colours) are £495Arctic White (Renault I.d metallic paint) is £595

Renault’s R-Link multimedia system is standard on all trim levels. As part of the navigation function the display will show the Zoe’s current operating radius based on the charge state of the battery and via the data supplied from ‘TomTom’ will show the location of recharging points in the vicinity.